Luxury Real Estate Blog

Author: Robert Martin, Ranch Broker | Licensed in NM, CO From ancient origins in the American West to their complicated role on today’s rangelands, the story of the horse in North America is far more intricate than most people realize. This species evolved here, disappeared during a massive extinction event, returned with Spanish explorers, and reshaped the cultures and economies of the continent. Their influence spans everything from Indigenous history to settlement patterns, livestock production, and modern conservation.

BY: GEORGE DUKE, RANCH SALES | LICENSED IN MT, WY After decades spent working with farmers and ranchers across the Northern Plains, this former petroleum landman knows the ins and outs of mineral and surface rights like few others. In this article, he explains what every landowner should understand about split estates, how mineral ownership affects property value, and why due diligence is essential before any land purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned rancher or a first-time buyer, his insights reveal how what lies beneath the surface can influence what happens above it. Read the full story to learn how to protect your investment and your land.

Author: Daniel Mahoney, Broker | Licensed in MT After months of nonstop sales, a Montana broker traded his desk for the high country, hoping for two quiet days of elk hunting. Just as the ridge came alive with first light, his phone buzzed—a client he’d pursued for years was calling about a rare ranch in the Blackfoot Valley. What followed was a sprint down the mountain, a diner with no Wi-Fi, and a race to submit an offer before the deal slipped away. This story proves that in ranch brokerage, as in elk hunting, success favors those who are ready when opportunity appears.

BY: COOPER LAMMONDS | LAND SALES | LICENSED IN SC Fire has always been both a destroyer and a creator. From the crack of lightning that ignited ancient forests to the intentional flames lit by Native Americans thousands of years ago, fire has shaped the very landscapes we walk today. What was once a carefully managed tool to sustain wildlife and strengthen ecosystems is now being rediscovered, not just as a conservation necessity, but as a means of restoring balance, beauty, and productivity to the land.

BY: VINNY DELGADO, PARTNER | RANCH SALES | LICENSED IN MT Imagine stepping outside your door to the shimmer of water reflecting the sky, a place where tranquility meets purpose. A pond isn’t just a pretty feature—it’s a dynamic addition that can elevate your land in ways most people overlook. From creating a personal fishing retreat to supporting wildlife and even improving water management, the right pond transforms property into something far greater than the sum of its acres.

BY: ALEX ROBERTSON, BROKER | LICENSED IN OR Hay is the color of money. To anyone who has spent time baling, stacking, or hauling it, hay is also itchy, exhausting, and sometimes downright exasperating. Yet, beneath those layers of sweat and dust lies one of the most valuable assets on a ranch or farm: hay ground. Whether you’re an investor eyeing agricultural property, a rancher weighing feed security, or a buyer trying to understand what drives value, hay ground deserves a closer look. After years as a real estate broker, hay broker, and farmer with hay in my boots, shirt collar, and everywhere in between, I’ve learned that understanding hay is key to making smart land decisions.

Author: Reneé Baker, Farm & Ranch Sales How are modern landowners using time-tested grazing methods to build more productive, sustainable operations—while restoring soil health and supporting rural communities? Across the country, a growing number of landowners are rethinking how they manage their grazing operations. What was once considered traditional pasture use is giving way to regenerative practices—strategies that not only preserve but actively improve the land. This isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about profitability, long-term productivity, and pride in purpose. Regenerative grazing systems, such as Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing, mimic the natural movement patterns of large herds like bison to restore soil structure, improve forage density, and increase water retention.

BY: MIKE GATLIN, FARM, RANCH, AND LUXURY HOMES | LICENSED IN ID Every spring, shed hunters lace up their boots and hit the hills—drawn by the promise of a single antler glinting in the sun. What was once a quiet, personal pursuit has evolved into something far bigger. With social media showcasing tailgates stacked with browns and YouTube channels turning finds into follower counts, shed hunting is no longer just about the hike. It’s a booming outdoor trend with growing competition, a thriving market, and increasing pressure on wildlife.

BY: JW ROBINSON, ASSOCIATE BROKER | LICENSED IN WY Drought conditions continue to impact ranchers across Wyoming and the greater Rocky Mountain region, forcing many to make difficult decisions in tight operating environments. If you're a landowner in Wyoming, you may now be eligible for federal emergency assistance. In 2025, the USDA declared 10 counties as primary natural disaster areas due to prolonged drought, opening the door to critical funding to help stabilize operations affected by these severe conditions. Whether you’re facing reduced forage, water scarcity, or escalating input costs, understanding how to access these resources may offer a much-needed path forward. Learn which counties qualify, how the designation process works, and what steps you can take right now to pursue support through your local FSA office.

BY: RYAN BRAMLETTE, ALC, RANCH SALES | LICENSED IN MT As the American West continues to evolve, landowners are faced with an increasingly complex question: How do you preserve the character and value of your land while planning for its future use? Conservation easements offer a powerful—yet often misunderstood—tool for achieving both. These voluntary legal agreements can permanently protect a property’s ecological integrity while allowing landowners to maintain ownership, continue ranching or farming, and even build under agreed-upon terms.